What is a transmural defect?

A transmural defect refers to a condition where there is a full-thickness disruption or abnormality of a tissue or organ wall, commonly seen in the context of the gastrointestinal tract or the heart. In the gastrointestinal context, it often relates to conditions like Crohn's disease, where inflammation penetrates through all layers of the bowel wall. In cardiology, it can refer to myocardial infarctions that affect the entire thickness of the heart muscle. Such defects can lead to significant functional impairment of the affected organ.